Is Rio Vista, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.1/100
waterverge.com Rio Vista, TX — Water Quality Report
Rio Vista's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,040 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 33 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rio Vista's water
Rio Vista ranks #605 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Rio Vista relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Rio Vista may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rio Vista, TX water safe to drink?
Rio Vista's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,040 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rio Vista
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rio Vista's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.1/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rio Vista's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rio Vista's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 17 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnson County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Lk Pat Cleburne Nr Cleburne, Nolan Rv At Blum.
Where does Rio Vista's water come from?
Rio Vista's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,040 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lk Pat Cleburne Nr Cleburne (lake), Nolan Rv At Blum (river).
What Rio Vista residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rio Vista's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Johnson County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rio Vista compares by contaminant
Explore where Rio Vista ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rio Vista's water comes from
Rio Vista's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,040 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rio Vista
Rio Vista is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rio Vista
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF RIO VISTA | TX1260022 | 1,040 | GW |
How Rio Vista compares
Full Texas rankings →Rio Vista's score of 68.1/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Rio Vista, TX
Wikipedia →Rio Vista is a city in Johnson County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,008 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rio Vista's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnson
Frequently asked questions
Is Rio Vista, TX tap water safe to drink?
Rio Vista's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #605 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Rio Vista's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Rio Vista's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Rio Vista?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rio Vista's water come from?
Rio Vista's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,040 residents.
What health violations has Rio Vista's water system had?
Rio Vista has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rio Vista's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rio Vista uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 33 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Rio Vista's water compare to other cities?
Rio Vista ranks #605 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 43% of state cities) and #11127 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rio Vista's small water system affect quality?
Rio Vista's system serves approximately 1,040 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 33 violations on record.